Tottenham offer player-plus-cash deal for centre-back alternative
As speculation mounts around the possible transfer of Christopher Samba, Harry Redknapp is keeping Phil Jagielka as a backup signature should he fail to land the Blackburn defender.
Samba will almost certainly leave Ewood Park during this transfer window, with numerous clubs declaring interest in gaining his services.
Spurs, Liverpool and QPR have all declared interest in the 27 year-old in recent weeks with Rangers having already submitted a bid reportedly worth £7m.
With all this speculation, Redknapp apparently sees Jagielka – who has been linked with the North London before – as an ideal replacement.
The Spurs manager said in December that the club would make a ‘major’ signing in January, as they seek to establish themselves as a team capable of Champions League football.
Jagielka was subject to bids from Spurs and Arsenal over the summer, however extended his stay at Goodison Park as the Toffees rejected any offers for their star.
Interest in his signature will not have deterred however, as the defender’s stock will have done nothing but increase following a series of outstanding performances.
The Everton centre-back carries a price-tag of around £14m but it’s expected that Sebastien Bassong could be offered in part exchange to sweeten any deal.
Bassong has found first team places hard to come by and while defensive cover is vital after Ledley King was ruled out for the season, Jagielka would certainly be a preferred alternative.
